Instructions: Preheat oven to 300 F. Split the baguette in half lengthwise. Rub one half very well with the mashed garlic on the cut side. Brush liberally with olive oil. Cut the garlicked half in half again lengthwise and then cut these strips into 3/4-inch pieces. Place croutons on a cookie sheet, crust side down. Bake until dark golden, about 30 minutes or more. If croutons are made in advance, place tomatoes in a large mixing bowl a bit before you intend to mix the salad, then drain and discard any juice that may have accumulated in the bottom of the bowl. To serve, add the croutons, onions, and basil to the tomatoes. Whisk together the vinegar and oil for the vinaigrette. Pour over salad and toss.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.